Most home improvement projects on the outside of your home require a zoning certificate, including residing, window and door replacement, fences, and sheds. Reroofing outside of the Historic District and painting do not require a zoning certificate. Most projects will be reviewed by the Architectural and Historic Board of Review, including additions, sheds larger than 120 square feet, swimming pools, and major alterations. Some projects can be approved administratively, including decks, sheds less than 120 square feet, arbors, pergolas, fences, and minor alterations. The zoning application, submittal packets, meeting calendar, and fee schedule are available at the Applications and Permits section on the Community Development Department page. Most projects that require a zoning certificate from Hudson also require a building permit from the Summit County Department of Building Standards prior to starting. Please call them at (330) 630-7280 with your questions.

Yes, they can be kept in a garage or accessory structure. If that is not possible, they are required to have landscape screening to obscure the view from all adjacent neighbors and/or public streets. See Land Development Code Chapter 1206.03(g).

New decks and deck replacements require a zoning certificate. Very minor repairs do not. If you have any doubts please contact our Code Enforcement personnel in the Community Development Department (330) 342-1790. They can visit your home and inform you if a zoning certificate is required.

The City does not require a permit to hold a garage sale. However, the City does require that garage sale signs be registered with the Community Development Department. Fill out the online Garage Sale/Temporary Sign Registration form. There is no fee.

Visit the City’s Geographic Information System page. Click the “Interactive City Map” link to open a map of the City that will provide you a tremendous amount of information about your property and the City. To find the zoning for your property enter your address in the search field and click the magnifying glass to zoom in on your property. To find zoning, click the “Maps” drop-down list; then under the “I want to see …” label, click the button to reveal another drop-down list. Select “Zoning.”

Downtown Phase II has been the vision of City leaders – and residents – for many years. It was born out of the 1995 Comprehensive Plan to restore industrial sites in downtown Hudson and return it to its economic prominence. Completed in 2004, Phase I transformed the Morse Controls site into First and Main with retail, office, housing and green space. Building on the success of First and Main, Downtown Phase II will revitalize the remaining 20 acres of industrial properties (Windstream, Hudson Public Power and School Bus Garage) into Class A office space and housing for empty nesters and young professionals.

With Downtown Phase II, people can live, work, and play downtown. The offices and homes built on the property will bring in new tax revenues for the City and the Hudson schools, and it will bring new customers to support the current downtown stores and restaurants.

Here's what's planned for Downtown Phase II:

135,043 sq. ft. of Class-A office space

73-75 townhome units

50 condominium flats (1st floor masters)

300-space parking structure hidden behind offices

Green space and pocket parks

Architecture that blends with First and Main and surrounding neighborhoods

On January 22, 2019, Hudson City Council passed a resolution authorizing placing an issue for an advisory election on the May 7, 2019 ballot. Like the "advisory election" that was held for First and Main, this advisory election would seek the opinion of the voters of Hudson on whether the City should continue with the redevelopment of the Downtown Phase II area. The question to be put to voters will be whether to continue with the redevelopment of the Downtown Phase II area as a public and private development, subject to final approval by the Architectural and Historic Board of Review and City Council. A "yes" vote is in support of continuing the Downtown Phase II process. A "no" vote would be against continuing with Downtown Phase II. Learn more about the ballot issue...

The City is committed to maintaining the look and feel of the Western Reserve architecture and character of the downtown. The First and Main Development (Phase I) overcame unique challenges as the project was directly abutting the National Register Historic District. The Phase II project requires the same attention to design to ensure the final project looks and feels a part of the downtown.The same care and scrutiny that went into First and Main will be taken in the design of Downtown Phase II to ensure it maintains the quality and character of the community and our architectural standards.

As a public and private development, most of the project will be paid for by the developer. The City's costs would be recouped through Tax Increment Financing (TIF), which means that the costs will be covered by the new income taxes generated by the new jobs that the project will create, as well as land sale proceeds and tax revenues from the new jobs generated by the project. A TIF also will generate new property tax revenues from the new homes to be built in the project that will benefit the Hudson Schools.

This is the same TIF method that was used to build First and Main. With First and Main, the developer paid for the majority of the project costs and owns most of the land, and the City's portion was paid for by a TIF. Built in 2004, First and Main CIty costs have already been recouped and paid for through the TIF.

The project is projected to generate an additional $1.900,000 in property taxes annually through the new homes, and an additional $700,000 to $1,000,000 annually in income tax generated through the new jobs created in the office space.

Every development project in Hudson must adhere to the City's strict regulations that require storm water management to be incorporated into the design of the development. These regulations will require post development run-off rates to be less than the existing rates prior to development. Additionally, the existing site is currently home to multiple light industrial uses established decades ago. We are thoroughly examining the storm water needs of the development to ensure that whatever is build adheres to our strict standards.

The City created a parking committee, comprised of City staff, downtown merchants and other key individuals to study parking concerns in the current downtown area and the future needs for the development. A formal parking study was performed, and it was determined that Downtown Phase II would include a 300-space parking structure to serve the needs of the new offices proposed in the development. The structure will be located at the end of Clinton Street at Morse Road and will be hidden, tucked behind and in between the office buildings being proposed in that location. The structure would be designed to blend with the architecture of the new development and the surrounding neighborhoods, similar to was was done in the First and Main area.

The parking structure is illustrated in purple below. The blue buildings are offices.

The purpose of the development is to take underutilized properties in a high-demand area (i.e., Hudson Public Power, salt dome, school bus garage) and add office and housing that will support the retail center. This will boost economic vitality and create a live-work-play environment that is in demand regionally and nationally. Putting a City Hall or Recreation Center on the property would defeat the purpose, simply switching out one tax exempt property for another. Visit our Get the Fact publication for more information.

Tax Increment FInancing (TIF) allows the City to borrow the money to pay for the City's portion of the project and pay it back over the course of 20 years using the new income and/or property taxes generated by the new offices and homes in the project. That way, the City does not have to use current general fund money to pay off the note. A TIF was used for Phase I - First and Main, and the borrowed amount has already been paid back through the increased income property tax revenues generated by the stores and homes in the project.

Lots of rumors are flying about Section 8 housing in Downtown Phase II, so let’s look at the facts.

First, the 30-unit apartment complex with lease rates above market value has been removed from the Downtown Phase II plan at Council’s direction.

There are two types of federally subsidized (Section 8) housing programs, none of which are feasible for Hudson. There are only six government-funded housing complexes in Summit County; none in Hudson. This will not be a government-funded or subsidized housing development.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) (commonly called Section 8) helps low income households with rental assistance through vouchers. This voucher program follows the individual, not a specific housing development. Anyone could use an HCVP voucher to lease/rent any property in Hudson provided they meet both the program eligibility requirements and can qualify for the lease rates, which in Hudson tend to be higher than average.

To be eligible for an HCVP voucher, an individual’s income must be below $23,450 per year, and under $33,450 for a family of four. Eligibility for vouchers is narrow and there is a waiting list to get into the program.

The housing rates for Downtown Phase II are at market rate or higher. Anticipated purchase prices range from $285,000 to over $450,000, and anticipated leases for the condominium flats (if they are leased rather than sold) would be $2,100 to $2,400 or more a month.

Even at the lowest purchase/lease rates, an individual or family whose income met the low-income thresholds of the program, would not qualify to lease these above-market-price units based on their income.

The City of Hudson has developed a variety of programs to ease the transition challenges for businesses relocating here. In addition to a streamlined approval process for development in our commercial districts, and responsive service from city employees, Incentives & Financing such as grants and tax abatements may be available.

The Available Properties page on our website offers up-to-date information on all available commercial properties within the city. Information provided includes size, location, property type, and zoning district, as well as broker contact information, photographs, a detailed description, and helpful links.

Hudson is divided into 10 Zoning Districts as shown on the Zoning Map. Districts 1 through 4 are primarily residential. District 5 is the Downtown District where many retail businesses and restaurants are concentrated, although these types of businesses thrive throughout Hudson. Districts 6 and 8 are zoned for light industry, manufacturing, and other commercial purposes. Districts 7 and 9 are zoned for commercial purposes while district 10 allows a mix of commercial and residential use.

This service allows you to sign up to receive emergency notifications on your cell phone, work phone, e-mail, home phone, and more. You can receive notifications about emergencies that may affect your home, your parents' home, your workplace, and your child's school, as long as those locations are within the boundaries of Summit County.

If you don't sign up, you will still receive notifications on published telephone lines, but nowhere else. Unpublished telephone numbers will not receive alert calls. For more information call the Summit County at (330) 643-2558. Summit County Reverse Alert Opt Out

Not just anybody can become a Hudson EMS Volunteer. You must meet stringent qualifications (including a security background check) and complete our comprehensive orientation program and EMS driver training. If you are medically uncertified, we will put you through a 180-hour EMT course over a four-month period. Then, you must be willing to continue serving as a volunteer for the City for at least two years with a 56-hour commitment each month, which is a combination of 12-hour weekly shifts, plus special events and ongoing training. Go to Hudson EMS Jobs for more information and to apply.

If there are six students or more, we will hold a Heartsaver CPR/AED with or without first-aid, or a Healthcare Provider class. The cost is $50 per person. Please call Cindy Murphy (330) 342-1852 to schedule the class. If you want to take the Healthcare Provider class, HeartCode BLS or Heartsaver courses, visit American Heart Association. After completing Part 1 of the course, print the certificate and call Cindy (330) 342-1852 to set up a time with an instructor to complete the skill portion (Part 2 & 3) of the certification. Hudson EMS does not charge for the skill portion of the certification but the cards are $20 (AHA fee) Your certification card will be sent to you in four to six weeks.

Hudson EMS conducts an Emergency Medical Technician course at the Basic level twice a year. It meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. for approximately 17 weeks. The class will also meet four to six Saturdays during that period from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The first session starts in January the same week that Kent State University starts the spring semester. It runs until mid-May. The second session starts in August and coincides with Kent State University's fall semester. It runs until mid-December. The course is $900, but free to members that agree to a two-year commitment after completing the course and begin running as an uncovered member. For more information call 330-342-1842.

These indicate when the traffic signal operation is being preempted by emergency vehicles (Fire/EMS). When these lights are flashing the traffic signal will briefly go red in all directions and then a green signal will go up in the direction of travel of the safety forces vehicle.

These flags mark the location of underground utilities so that a given contractor can avoid hitting them. Please do not remove these flags as they are for everyone’s safety. Below are the different flag colors with a description of what they are marking:

An objective method of evaluating pavements is utilized. Depending on the Pavement Condition Index (P.C.I.), the roads are evaluated in a numerical range from the low 50s to 100, for a road paved last year. A computer program called Road Manager generates the P.C.I. for each street. In addition, each street is visually inspected on an annual basis to help determine the appropriate prioritization of the annual street resurfacing program.

To report a power outage (330) 342-1715. Please provide the time and any noises that you may have heard prior to the lights going out. Include your address and phone number, which will help us locate the problem and call you back if we need more information. Do not call 911 to report a power outage.

1) The State of Ohio, per ODNR rules, requires the checking of deer. Information about the State requirements for checking deer is available on their website: Wild Ohio Customer Center.

2) Hudson also requires a separate check, which can be done online using the Deer Check Form or by completing the form enclosed in the deer hunting permit packet and returning it to the Hudson Police Station. You also may check a deer by phone (330) 342-1800. The separate check allows Hudson officials the ability to gauge the efficacy of the deer management program, as the State of Ohio only breaks down deer harvest by county, not by municipality.

Twice a year, the Water Department flushes water lines through the City's fire hydrants. Hydrant flushing is an important preventative maintenance activity that maintains the integrity of the water system and checks that the hydrants are in working order. The flushing removes sediment and deposits that naturally accumulated in water pipes. Removing these materials through flushing maintains the quality of our water.

Please drive with caution when crews are in the streets flushing hydrants.

Hydrant flushing is performed in the spring and in the fall. We place electronic sign boards on main streets such as SR 91 and SR 303 to alert residents. Information also appears on our city website and in the Hudson Hub Times. We also make announcements on our city's Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as send out notices through our Notify Me general city news email and text alerts. To sign up, check our website home page and click on Notify Me.

If tap water is used during flushing it may contain sediment and some discoloration. If the water is discolored, simply shut it off and wait a few minutes. Then run cold water for a few minutes to allow new water to enter your pipes. If the water is still discolored, wait a few more minutes and run the water again. In some cases, discoloration will occur for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water -- it DOES NOT affect the taste or quality.

Avoid washing laundry during the scheduled flushing tines, as the flushed sediment could discolor white clothing. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap, then wash a load of dark clothes first.

Yes, the water is safe. However, the Fire Department recommends that you run the cold water until it is clear. If the water pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.

No. Due to the size of the leaf collection equipment and the potential to damage private property, the City’s leaf collection program will pick up leaves ONLY along the City’s publicly maintained streets. Therefore, residents living on private streets or within private condominium developments will need to place their leaves along the tree lawn area of the public street closest to their private street entrance.

Yes. Remove temporary/portable basketball hoops off of the street and away from the curb or edge of the pavement. These items protrude into the path of the leaf vacuum machines and will cause damage to the machine and the basketball hoop system.

Assess your leaf piles. Are the leaves in a row along the edge of the street free of debris and obstructions? Please amend the collection area and the truck will be back around to collect the leaves on your next scheduled collection week.

To hold an event on City-owned property you must first complete and submit a Special Event Application form, along with supporting documents.

Event dates are assigned on a first come first served basis, with previous years' events having the right of first refusal for the same weekend. Due to the large volume events held each year, there are very few open weekend dates from April through October. Please speak with Rhonda Kadish regarding available dates. For more information, visit the Special Events page.

We do have boat and canoe storage at Hudson Springs Park. It is $100 annually. Boats must be registered with the State of Ohio. We do not allow non-registered boats to be stored at Hudson Springs Park. At times, there is a waiting list for boat and canoe storage. Please contact the Public Works Office at 330-342-1750 for further information.

Dogs on leashes are welcome at all of Hudson’s Parks. By City ordinance, dogs are not allowed to be off leash except in designated areas. There is a small dog run at Hudson Springs Park located about a quarter of a mile beyond the restrooms along the trail. Bags are provided at the beginning of most trails to clean up after your pet as required by City ordinance.

Unlike most cities, Hudson has two separate entities for Parks and Recreation. Recreation is scheduled through Hudson Community Education and Recreation (HCER) which is not affiliated with the City. They can be reached at 330-653-1210.

If you call 911 in error, stay on the line and let the dispatcher know you dialed by mistake. The dispatcher will confirm with you that everything is OK. When calling from a landline, be prepared for the dispatcher to ask for your name, address, and telephone number to confirm that the information the dispatcher sees on the 911 screen is correct.

No. When you call 911 from a cellular phone, the 911 screen will show the dispatcher a set of coordinates; however, the coordinates may be for the cellular tower that your call is coming from, and may not reflect the location of your cellular phone. Be aware of your location and surroundings as often as possible.

911 is an emergency line. It is to be used for life or death emergencies, or situations that could become life or death emergencies. These reasons include, but are not limited to: reporting violence, requesting an ambulance, reporting a possible impaired driver, reporting hazardous conditions, etc.

Do not use the emergency 911 line for non-life-threatening issues such as reporting a power outage, reporting a lost or found animal, parking complaints, requests for the non-emergency number or other phone numbers, etc. If it is not a true emergency but you want to speak to the Police, call the regular number at 330-342-1800.

If you observe suspicious behavior or circumstances, call the Hudson Police Department at (330) 342-1800, or call 911 if it is an emergency. Do this immediately, or call as soon as possible. The Hudson Police Department has a much higher chance of investigating suspicious behavior or suspicious circumstances if these incidents are reported while occurring, or shortly thereafter, as opposed to reports that are received well after the incident took place.

Yes. Juveniles are not permitted on any public street, sidewalk, public ground or business establishment open to the public, or be in a motor vehicle during the following times:- 15 years of age or younger - 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. - 16 or 17 years of age - Midnight to 5 a.m. - Unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or by an adult person having permission of a parent/guardian, or - Have consent from a parent/guardian to go directly to or from any lawful activity, or - Are engaged in an emergency errand with parent/guardian approval.

The Hudson Police Department keeps a running list of lost and found animals as a courtesy to the public. If there is an animal running at large and/or creating a hazard, a Police Officer can check the area to see if he or she can be of assistance. If there is a sick or injured animal on your property, a Police Officer can respond to see if he or she can be of assistance in dispatching the animal.

Summit County Animal Control can be reached at (330) 643-2845. The Summit County District of the Ohio Division of Wildlife can be reached at (330) 644-2293 or toll free at (800) 582-2699.

Yes. The Hudson Police Department has a Vacation Watch Program. The Hudson Police Department offers this service to residents when they are away for periods of less than 30 days. Officers will periodically check the security of your home while you are away. You may submit a request by providing information via an online form, or stopping by the Police Department at any time.

Yes. The Hudson Police Department will respond to areas within the City of Hudson (locations with Hudson mailing addresses that are outside of the City of Hudson are not included in our police jurisdiction) and will attempt to unlock your vehicle. You will need to be present in order for the Officer to attempt to open your vehicle.

The Hudson Police Department does not assist motorists by changing tires or jump starting vehicles. Officers may assist with traffic control, but other means should be used when these types of assistance are needed.

Yes. Once successfully completing the permit/approval process (see below), commercial solicitation is allowed in Hudson in residential areas between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. EST and 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Daylight Saving Time Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays.

Persons who wish to conduct for-profit, door-to-door sales must obtain a permit to do so. Permit applications are available at the Police Department to pick up at any time and include: An instruction sheet, two applications/permit cards, and an affidavit stating the applicant has never been convicted of a felony. This document must be notarized (which can be handled by the applicant, or it can be done at the Police Department during normal business hours if a Notary Public is on duty). Also required are: two recent color photographs of the applicant (approximately passport size), one for each card; and a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or State ID Card. A copy can be made at the Police Department when other paperwork is turned in. A $25 permit fee payment must be submitted along with the application and is due and payable in exact change or check made out to the City of Hudson. A receipt will be provided.

Once all paperwork has been completed and returned to the Police Department, a local background check will be conducted; if no criminal record is found, the Chief of Police will sign both cards. This process usually takes no more than a day or two. Applicants can call (330) 342-1814 to see if a permit is ready to be picked up. The solicitor must carry the permit or have it easily available when conducting business in Hudson. The permit will expire December 31 of the same year it was issued.

If the dead animal is on the roadway or City property, Public Works will arrange for the animal to be removed. If the dead animal is on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove it or otherwise arrange for the animal to be removed.

You must have a permit to display any temporary sign, such as garage sale, construction, or other signs. You can download the Temporary Sign Application and return it to the Community Development Department, or call (330) 342-1790.

You must have a permit to display any temporary sign, such as garage sale, construction, or other signs. You can download the Temporary Sign Application and return it to the Community Development Department, or call (330) 342-1790.

You must complete a Sign/Banner application form to apply for posting a sign to your event. Signs are limited in size and can be posted only one week before the event. To apply, complete the Sign/Banner Application Form. More info...

The Service Division of the Public Works Department performs snow plowing and ice control. The Service Division receives assistance from other Public Works divisions for back-up drivers as needed. The Service Division is also assisted by private contractors to clear the turn-around area of cul-de-sacs, as well as public parking lots and sidewalks.

Service Division supervisors are notified by the Hudson Police Department that snow and ice control is needed. Supervisors then contact crew members to report for duty. It is not unusual for the Service Division snow and ice control crews to work overtime hours on weekends and holidays.

From early October to April, City staff monitors roadway and weather conditions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can respond to winter conditions at any time with a variety of equipment and personnel. Proper and timely response to winter weather conditions is paramount to the safety of the traveling public, the economic viability of the city, and neighborhood livability. The Service Division’s primary source of weather information comes from a commercial satellite weather system called Digital Transmission Network (DTN). This system displays up-to-date weather information and graphics similar to what is on the local television stations.

The Service Division considers all winter precipitation events to be emergency in nature. Whether it’s a freezing drizzle situation or a 14-inch snowstorm, appropriate crews are dispatched in response to the conditions. The response may range from a few salt/chemical application trucks to cover freezing bridge decks, to a full mobilization of all snow removal equipment.

In residential neighborhoods, it is the homeowner's responsibility to keep the sidewalk, curb and gutter free from snow and ice. Business owners are responsible for sidewalks leading to their business. The City will maintain all public walk ways on City property.

You do not need a permit to hold a garage sale, but you must have a permit to display a temporary sign, such as garage sale, construction, or other sign. You can download the Temporary Sign Application and return it to the Community Development Department, or call (330) 342-1790.

You must complete and submit a Sign/Banner application form and be approved to display a sign for your event. Signs are limited in size and can be posted only one week before your event. The event being promoted must be within the boundaries of the City of Hudson. To apply, complete the Sign/Banner Application Form. Email or call (330) 655-1522 for more information.

To hold an event on City-owned property you must first complete and submit a Special Event Application form, along with supporting materials.

Event dates are assigned on a first come first served basis, with previous years' events having the right of first refusal for the same weekend. Due to the large volume events held each year, there are very few open weekend dates from April through October. For more information, visit the Special Events page.

All events on City-owned property are coordinated and sponsored by outside organizations. Please use the contact information on the Community Calendar to contact the event you want to participate in. The City does not hire or used vendors for these events.

Call the Department of Public Works at (330) 342-1750 to report problems with water flow in your ditch. Your request will be entered into our work order system. The ditch will be inspected by our stormwater Construction Coordinator who will access the best practice to maintain the storm water system.